Malawi
Passport Ranking - 149th
Malawi passport ranks 149th according to the Top Passports Index which reflects modest performance among the world’s passports. Malawi passport ranking is defined by its scores varying from low to moderate in mobility, investment, and quality of life.
127th
Mobility Index
Mobility Index
180th
Investment Index
Investment Index
159th
Quality of Life Index
Quality of Life Index
Mobility Index
score
39.4
The moderate ranking in the Mobility Index balanced the very low ranks in the other indexes. Malawi passport ranks 127th in this factor.
Holders of Malawi passport can travel to 78 countries in the world visa-free or by obtaining a visa on arrival or electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Malawi
Top Passports Rank: 149
Destinations: 78
41
Visa free
Visa free
35
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
2
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
120
Visa required
Visa required
Investment Index
score
25.8
The low ranking of Malawi passport in the Investment Index contributed negatively to its total power. It ranks 180th in this factor.
The investment climate in Malawi is as challenging as in other developing countries with typical obstacles such as widespread corruption, poor infrastructure, and lack of a well-educated and skilled workforce. However, the political stability, governmental support for investors, and opportunities in the energy and agriculture sectors attract expats who have experience in frontier markets to invest in Malawi.
Malawi market info:
Malawi market info:
GDP
GDP
$11.96 billion
GNI per capita
GNI per capita
$1.080
Personal tax rate
Personal tax rate
35%
Quality of Life Index
score
47.7
The performance of Malawi’s quality of life is derived from the poor ranks in the factors that define the Quality of Life Index. Malawi’s lifestyle is slow-paced and relaxing. People are so kind and friendly that Malawi is known as “The Warm Heart of Africa”.
Malawi ranks 159th in the Quality of Life Index, in which these criteria are considered:
Sustainable Development
Low
Malawi ranks 149th in the Sustainable Development Report 2021 with a score of 51.4.
Freedom
Partially free
Malawi scored 66/100 in Global Freedom Status.
Cost of living
High
The Cost of Living Index.
Environmental performance
Low
Malawi ranked 97th in the 2020 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) with a score of 40.60.
Happiness
Low
Malawi ranks 138th in the World Happiness Report 2022 with a score of 3.750.
Migrant acceptance
Medium
Malawi ranks 61st on Gallup’s Migrant Acceptance Index with a score of 6.1.
About Malawi
Malawi, officially the Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in Southeastern Africa. It shares borders with Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Malawi is ruled by a unitary presidential system.
Capital
Lilongwe
Lilongwe
Language
English
English
Currency
Malawian kwacha
Malawian kwacha
Local Time
UTC+02:00
UTC+02:00
Demographics
Malawi has a population of over 19 million.
English is the official language of the country.
Christianity is the religion of the population majority.
Economy and Industry
Malawi is one of the least developed countries in the world.
Agriculture is the largest contributing sector to GDP and exports.
Taxes in Malawi are imposed at a progressive rate on worldwide income.
Culture and life
The traditional rituals, dances, and ceremonies are a strong part of the culture of Malawi.
Primary education in Malawi is free. However, only about 35 % of children complete their primary schooling.
Public healthcare in Malawi is government-funded and free for all citizens.
FAQ
Malawi passport allows free access to 78 countries including 41 countries visa-free, 35 countries with a visa on arrival, and 3 countries with electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Malawi passport ranks 149th according to the Top Passports Index based on its performance in mobility, investment, and quality of life.
Foreigners can obtain permanent residence permits in Malawi after staying for at least 5 years in the country and after another 5 years of permanent residency, they can apply for citizenship.
Foreigners are not allowed to own properties in Malawi but they can lease up a property for up to 50 years.
Malawi requires giving up any other citizenship by the age of 21 to obtain or keep its citizenship.
Malawi has rich natural resources that create important investment opportunities in the energy and agriculture sectors but many challenges such as corruption and poor infrastructure are still in place.
Malawi’s education system consists of 8 years of primary education and 4 years of secondary education. Only primary education is compulsory.
All children in Malawi have free access to public education at the primary level.
Malawi is a poor country which affects the sufficiency of its healthcare system, however, there is continuous improvement in terms of accessibility and coverage.
Foreigners can establish a business in Malawi after obtaining a business resident permit, and a business license from the authorities.
Malawi is a very poor country and the crime rate is high, however, its people are welcoming and friendly. Malawi is called the Warm Heart of Africa.
Malawi imposes a personal income tax at a progressive rate capped at 35%.
Malawi imposes a corporate tax of 30% on national companies and 35% on branches of foreign companies.